Camerican | Foreign Canuck

Not Satisfied

2008-09-10T23:22:00.002-04:00

Not satisfied with the consistency of content here? Then hop over to stevejbarker.com

Back Yard Driving

2008-09-01T19:23:00.006-04:00

Von and I went to the local park today for some Labor Day Festivities. When we got back we played in the back yard for a while. Von decided to take his car for a drive.

5y Anniversary Weekend

2008-07-13T17:55:00.003-04:00

100_4880
Originally uploaded by Steve Barker

Lori and I had an awesome weekend. We spend the last couple days out in Lincoln City at an awesome little boutique hotel right on the water. It was good to be just the two of us.

We had the chance to walk on the beach and even went to a glass blowing studios (see flickr pics). It was a great time....but we both admitted we missed Von by the end. Thanks Grandma K for watching Von and Aunt Juli for taking care of Kilian.

Portland Transportation Documentary

2008-05-31T13:13:00.002-04:00

I came across this documentary on Portland Transportation. It is a little long but very interesting. I will say Portland does have to be one of the best cities I know off to live in. Let me know what you think.

Von & His Puppets

2008-05-26T15:28:00.002-04:00

New/Temporary Transfer

2008-05-22T15:28:00.002-04:00

So on Monday my area manager pulls me into his office and says he's been thinking about having me work out at another branch. Immediately I feel two things. 1. I saw something like this coming (and have been excited about the possibility), but not this soon, and 2. a little sadness that I could potentially be leaving a team that was really starting to gel. Needless to say I started at my new/temporary branch on Tuesday and it has been awesome so far. My second day there they had me running point for a portion of the day and for the entire day today. I'm loving it. My mind is getting to operate back at a big picture level, which is where it does it's best work. I'm feeling a real ownership of the branch and our success. The guys I'm working with are awesome.

I'm not sure how long I'm going to be at this new branch, but I'm hoping it's for a while. It wouldn't be bad to go back "home" to Woodstock but I'm very satisfied being out in Clackamas.

Lori's New Blog

2008-04-06T10:50:00.003-04:00

Don't worry. You're not the only one not satisfied with the frequency of my posts. Lori has decided to come fill the gaps. Head over to Come Sit By Me. I think you'll enjoy the world of Von through a mother's eyes.

Finally Finished Videos

2008-04-02T01:39:00.001-04:00

It took me a while but I've finished two more "Von" videos.

10ish Month
Christmas Fun

Beach Day

2008-03-16T18:08:00.001-04:00

Lack of Posting

2008-02-24T11:30:00.002-05:00

I must apologize for the lack of content here. It seems as if I haven't had as much time as I used to to post. I will try to keep posting about major events in our life...when I get a chance.

If you get really desperate visit some of my "sites of interest".

Don't Forget

2008-01-01T11:10:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to visit my new site at ManagementFiles.net.

Me, Addicted??

2007-12-25T02:19:00.000-05:00

I am 75% Addicted to Coffee

Cool Commerical

2007-12-17T20:15:00.000-05:00

December 2007

2007-12-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

Vocab = Rice

2007-11-23T23:11:00.000-05:00

Fall/Winter Trip to Canada

2007-11-23T17:06:00.001-05:00

Von | 9 Months

2007-11-01T02:22:00.000-04:00

Halloween Party '07

2007-10-29T19:07:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-21T23:38:00.001-04:00

We took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch today. Maybe next year we will actually go out to the field and pick one!

Pumpkin Patch

Skip the Sippy

2007-10-11T22:24:00.000-04:00

Von has decided to skip the sippy cup. And man he's one independent little dude.

Too Tired

2007-10-11T22:17:00.001-04:00

Tired Photos
Originally uploaded by Steve Barker

This morning I was getting Von ready to go the babysitters. I set him down on the couch and turned on his Baby Einstien. When I returned to the room a couple minutes later this is how I found him. Poor little guy was exhausted. I took off his bib and he passed out again.

Disneyland 2007

2007-10-09T19:40:00.000-04:00

**Update**: Photos

Sounds of a Little Man

2007-10-07T15:19:00.000-04:00

Mirror

2007-09-30T03:02:00.001-04:00

Von Mirror.JPG
Originally uploaded by phoenix.change

Who needs a baby sitter when you have a mirror.

Mike on Paper

2007-09-19T13:05:00.000-04:00

So...I'm not exactly sure how to write this entry. I'll put it this way. A while back I made a book out of Mike's blog. Something to remember the experience by. Well after printing it I figured there might be a handful of family and friends that would want one too. So I make it available to you. You'll have to sign up for a "blurb" account to purchase.

A Brother Like...

May - December 2006

By / at mike-barker.b...

Book Preview

Weekend at Grandma K's

2007-09-03T00:31:00.001-04:00

Lori and I both had to work this Saturday so Von decided to spend the weekend at Grandma K's. I think it he enjoyed himself...well, most of the time.

But then Grandma decided to dye her hair. She walked into the room with the bag on her head and Von didn't recognize her. I think she really freaked him out. Lucky Grandpa was their to save the day!

Von's First iPod

2007-08-27T18:39:00.001-04:00

So we decided to get Von his very first iPod. His Grandma & Grandpa Barker threw some cash in for his 2GB iPod Nano and I must say he likes it. Best part is, when he's ready for his nap I throw on his lullaby playlist and he's asleep in minutes. And don't worry; it's not all kiddy songs. There's a little Louie Armstong and Shawn McDonald in there too.

Von iPod.jpg

Wow

2007-08-25T01:05:00.000-04:00

Okay, I don't usually post stuff like this...but this left my jaw hanging.

Life In The New Apartment

2007-08-22T14:31:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by phoenix.change

Vfix | August Edition

2007-08-17T14:55:00.000-04:00

Dirty Mouth

2007-08-08T23:19:00.000-04:00

Earlier today Lori was cleaning Von's face; it seems he had left a little lunch on his chin. When she left to go throw his diaper in the garbage she sat him up and walked to the other side of the room. When she turned around this is what she saw. Von...straight faced and mouth stuffed.

Great Trip

2007-07-25T20:14:00.001-04:00

It was a great trip. I would have loved to spend a few more uninterrupted days chilling at my parents but it doesn't always work out that way. Von loved it and my Mom got some great pics. This happens to be one of his bath times and I don't think I've ever seen him make this face before.

We kids finally made it back to the "Four Rooms" lounge (a Jazz bar Lori and I would got to every once and a while when we lived in Edmonton). We've been trying to go when we visit but it just hasn't worked out. The jazz was good and so was the conversation. It was good to hang out as the 5 of us. I'm sure Grandma didn't mind babysitting either.

Like I said, Mom got some great pics but in the process she took a few hundred. It's going to take a few days to sift through but I'll do my best to upload a few in the coming week. It was great do be there and it's great to be back. Now we just have to get ready to move!

Road Trip

2007-07-20T13:54:00.000-04:00

What a great trip so far. We stayed north of Seattle on Wednesday night (had an "enjoyable" time finding a hotel) and arrived in Edmonton, Ablerta last night around 11. I tell you though, driving through the Rocky Mountains was breath taking...just like always. It's just mountain after mountain and crystal clear lakes and rivers. We saw a moose, a mountain goat and an elk; all predictable in Jasper National Park. Von was great. Man we are spoiled with him! Either way we get the chance to spend a few days hanging out with my brothers and parents...not much to complain about.

Aquarium

2007-07-14T17:02:00.000-04:00

This last Thursday was one of the most enjoyable days I've had in the last number of weeks...for a couple reasons. One, it was Lori and my 4th anniversary (man I love that woman!). And two, we took Von to the aquarium out at the coast. It really was a lot of fun. Von is just getting to that age where he's noticing animals (as long as they are at most two feet away) so he loved looking at the crabs and fish.

From Aquarium/4th ...

It was a great day to just be us. And having Von along was awesome too!

Ahhh, Ringers

2007-07-05T23:38:00.000-04:00

I officially hate loud ringers. Periodically I am bombarded by those completely obnoxious, way to loud, "song" ringers. They are to the point that I want to dart up, rip the phone out of their pocket and fire it against the closest wall. And sometimes I feel like I could actually get there before they realize the loud speaker in their pocket is going off. They seem to sit there and wait for it to hit the second verse before they even check who's calling. So, one of these days if you reach into your pocket and can't find your phone, check the closest wall. The only ringer that impresses me now is the marimba.

More Von Pics

2007-07-01T21:56:00.000-04:00

Von : Breakfast

2007-07-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

This one has to be classified as a new parent video but I'm sure some small percentage of my readership will enjoy it...at least the first 30-45 sec. of it. I apologize only for the lower quality.

Dangerous Snack Foods

2007-06-22T23:50:00.001-04:00

Lori went to a CPR class today and found out that our children are at great risk. One international snack favorite is putting our children in danger. One of the most dangerous snack combinations is peanut butter and bananas, causing a number of chocking incidences in young children. In fact it is so dangerous that many times the Heimlich maneuver will not work and the blockage must be removed with special toos. So think twice before you make those delicious sandwiches. You may just be feeding that child a ticking time bomb.

Mmmmm, Breakfast

2007-06-01T20:10:00.000-04:00

A little rice cereal never hurt anyone, right?

For the Time Being

2007-05-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

So I've been working at a Dialysis Center in Gresham, just outside of Portland for the last week and a half. Really, I've only been filling in; per diem, filling in for vacation days. Well today I got the call offering me a part-time position and a dollar raise! A dollar raise in a week and a half! Pretty good I must say. Now all I have to do is get another job!

Lunch @ the Coast

2007-05-27T01:40:00.000-04:00

So Lori, Von and I decided that we were going to spend some time this Saturday as just the 3 of us. We decided that we were going to go have lunch in Lincoln City at a place Lori introduced me to long before we were ever dating. It's a little restaurant right on the beach that serves the only Clam Chowder I like. And man is it good! It's about a 45 minute drive from here to the coast so we had lots of time to talk. It was refreshing to just be together. Lunch was good; Memorial Day weekend makes for a little longer line than we expected but the wait wasn't too long.

After lunch we decided to go walk on the beach for a while. We got some great pics. I must say though, I can't wait till Von and I can play at the beach. You know...when he's all excited to look at the starfish and the barnacles! We are going to have a blast.

We got lots of pics, so I figured I'd share some with you.

Mom & Dad Visit

2007-05-25T01:51:00.000-04:00

Here are some pics from Mom & Dad's visit this last weekend. It was great having them here! Grandma took tonnes of pictures...

Von Sure is Good Looking

2007-05-12T01:42:00.000-04:00

Grandma Knofler took Von in for some pictures. I think they turned out pretty good! (You can also see larger versions at my Flickr)

This is my favorite:

This is my second:

But the rest are great too!

Didn't Like It

2007-05-10T19:33:00.000-04:00

I know it seems like I can't make up my mind but I think this one is it. What do you think? Do you like this one better?

I Think I Want One!

2007-05-10T14:39:00.000-04:00

I've Been Slacking

2007-05-04T14:57:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. You want to see pictures of Von. Well here's another to satisfy your craving. Von's on the road.

Yes, You're Still in the Right Place

2007-05-02T20:16:00.000-04:00

I decided my template needed a little change. I'm not totally sure about this layout and color scheme yet but I'll give it a few days. Before yesterday I probably wouldn't have even posted this one but I recently realized that I'm still getting about 30 visitors a day. Not bad for a seemingly insignificant blog like mine. Wait, it's probably all Von's fans.

I guess I can't go without some Von pics:

"The Hour" Presents

2007-05-01T14:07:00.000-04:00

I was watching "The Hour" the other day. They are actually pretty good.
Check 'em out:

Pillow Talk

2007-04-27T23:45:00.000-04:00

Von is talking!!! Von is beginning to coo and ca. While I know not everyone is interested in 10 minutes of baby talk, I figure a couple of you are. So here it is.

Tough To Move & Take Pictures

2007-04-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

It has been tough to stay on top of the picture taking with the move and everything but here are a few pics from before we left Michigan.

Check This Guy Out

2007-04-20T02:18:00.000-04:00

glumbert.com - Extreme Crutching

LifeChurch.tv

2007-04-14T13:24:00.000-04:00

I've been checking out this church off and on now for a couple months. I think it's a pretty cool idea.

180 000 miles

2007-04-13T13:30:00.000-04:00

It was almost a notable occasion. The Trooper rolled over 180 000 miles. That makes it's resale value about $2500. The drive from Detroit, MI all the way to Dallas, OR was pretty good overall, long, but good. Wyoming was the worst of all. I swear we were driving into a 100 mph head wind. I had it floored and still couldn't keep up. I had to draft ever semi that would let me. About half way through the state we pulled over to get gas. As I was pulling off the oil cap to add a little I dropped it into the engine. It was one of those slow motion moments where you can see the cap bobbling in my hands until if fell out of reach. As I looked into the engine, for the next 10 minutes, it was no where to be found. I finally decided to try to look into the engine from the wheel well. As I was trying another angle I could hear a light hissing sound. As I investigated I found a small NAIL in my tire! I decided to pull the trooper away from the pump so I could change my 3 week old tire. I got the new tire out and jacked up the truck. As I pulled off the "old" tire, there it was. The oil cap was sitting on the frame just inside the engine compartment. I got the new tire on and as I went to put the flat back on the "spare tire" bracket I broke one of the welds holding the spare on. The tire stayed put for the trip but it's going to be a challenge to get that tire off now.

Other than that the trip was pretty good. Von was great. All he needed was to be able to see one of us when ever he woke up. That meant Lori or I had to sit on the hump (most uncomfortable seat in the vehicle) for the majority of the trip. Kilian was pretty good. He had the back to himself...probably the most comfortable of all. He did turn a few heads at gas stations and hotels but he didn't get as many oohs and awes as Von.

We pulled into Dallas, Oregon late afternoon yesterday. We were a little worried how Kilian would do with my Mother-in-law's dog Tank, but they were fine. Von was very happy to get out of the car seat and I am glad I don't have to pack that Trooper up anymore. Funny how much more luggage you have when you have a baby.

Now, the challenge is to get semi settled as we look for an apartment and wait for the house to sell. It will probably be quite a few months before Oregon feels like home but there's not much we can do about that. We've just got to chalk it all up to an adventure.

The Move

2007-04-04T19:47:00.000-04:00

Only a few days left till we drive away. Packing is on schedule but still is exhausting! And soon (actually tomorrow) I will be giving a pile of the technology I have been using back over to my employer. Hmmf, sad day. And not only because of not having a laptop. I'm going to miss my friends here in Detroit. I won't miss making a Michigan left but I will miss the relationships.

I took a couple truck loads to the local thrift store today and man it feels good to downsize. The house is beginning to feel empty, full of boxes, but hot really much of a home anymore.

I am excited about what the future holds, but as usual I don't have the patience to wait for the transition to be over. I want the house sold, I want the new jobs to be established, I want the new pad to be home. But I guess I can't rush that stuff. It will happen when it happens.

Transition is transition and all I can do is hold my breath in anticipation.

Mike Update

2007-04-04T19:46:00.000-04:00

For all of you that have been following Mike's recovery, Mom put up a PS to kind of wrap up some of the loose ends.

You can read it here: A Brother Like No Other: The Final Post

Couple of Firsts

2007-03-22T07:56:00.000-04:00

So Von has experienced a couple of firsts in the last couple of weeks. His hair was getting a little ridiculous. I can't have my son having a mullet! And then we took him for his first plane ride up to Edmonton. He did great, slept through almost everything.

The Big Chill

2007-03-13T10:04:00.000-04:00

What an awesome weekend! We predicted that this may be the best Big Chill to date and I believe it completely lived up to that. It was the most professional, most throughout retreat we have put on. It really feels good to end my time at Grace on two great retreats. I have loved what I do here and finishing on these make it hard.

I figured I'd show you what our sessions looked like:

Grounds For Your Garden

2007-03-08T19:16:00.000-05:00

Help Save the Planet in Three Easy Steps

Brew and enjoy a delicious coffee
Recycle the used coffe grounds for fertilizing your garden
Sit back and bask in the glow of doing something good for the earth.

Helpful Tips for Gardening with your Grounds

Mix grounds into soil around acid-loving plants and watch them grow!
Add brown leaves and grass clippings to mulch to help balance pH level of the soil.
Mix grounds into compost (grounds should comprise no more that 25% of compost heap) to accelerate the composting process.
To counter acidity of coffee grounds, add 1 tsp. of lime or wood shavings for every 5 lbs. of coffee grounds in your compost pile.

Established in 1995, our Grounds for Your Garden program recycles the heaviest portion of wast in Starbucks stores for use in our customers' gardens. Our grounds are packaged in recycled bags and are available on first-come, first-served basis. Starbucks also donates grounds to local parks, schools, and nurseries as a soil amendment.

(All content from this blog entry is taken from Ground For Your Garden brochure I acquired at a local Starbucks.)

The Smiles Have Started

2007-03-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

I was gone this weekend on my last High School Winter Retreat. It was great! Best snowboarding I've done since I've been in Michigan. And night boarding was awesome. Well allegedly while I was gone Von started smiling. Now I'm not sure I believe it (even thought the pictures may prove me wrong). I think the first smile was for me on Sunday night when I got back. I held him and he grinned from ear to ear. Now I know he was cute before, but he's adorable now. I'll let you see for yourself:

HSWR

2007-03-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Well it is only a couple hours away till we drive off to my last High School Winter Retreat. I'm looking forward to this weekend which really is setting itself up to be a relaxing time of fun and friendships. It will be good to get in at least one snowboarding session this season. I hope there are no broken bones this time!!! (You can't do much better than both wrists). Anyways, I wish I had more of a chance to hang out with High Schoolers this weekend but I'm positive I will enjoy the crowd up north. These are the times that I cherish. May God be present and bless this weekend.

Change & Faith

2007-02-23T13:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Grace Community Church:

Being a part of God's kingdom has always proven itself to be about change and faith and my time here at Grace has been very much about both. Coming to Detroit was a big change and required faith both on your part and mine. I have appreciated my time here with you but have come to another period in my journey that is requiring both change and faith. Thus, I ask that you please accept this letter as my resignation from the Pastor of Student Ministry position at Grace Community Church on April 8th, 2007. This change is largely being driven by my and Lori's desire to be closer to family as well as my sense that God is taking me in a new direction. Due to our circumstances, this transition in our lives is happening faster than we would have planned, which makes it even more difficult for us to leave.

I cannot say goodbye to Grace without saying a heartfelt thank you. You have been a church family to us as you have supported us through our miscarriages and the tragedy of my brother's accident. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to shepherd your children and for allowing me to speak into their lives.

And to you students, I have loved getting to know you and the relationships we have built will make it especially hard to leave. Thank you for having an impact on my life. Each of you are individuals loved by me and even more so by your Heavenly Father. Remember that no matter what the future holds, always be honest with God and continue to grow.

Thank you for the opportunities you have provided me during my time with Grace. You have allowed me to explore the person God has wired me to be and for that I am grateful.

Sincerely,

Steve Barker

Von & My Side

2007-02-22T12:34:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple pics I my rents in town...

Can You Say Photogenic

2007-02-12T19:01:00.000-05:00

Post Von Date Night

2007-02-09T21:51:00.000-05:00

Lori and I had our first date night since Von has been born. Man it was great. I forgot how much fun Lori was. We spent a couple hours at a restaurant on the water and we had a blast. It was so good to see Lori actually being comfortable. For the last three months she has been so uncomfortable and tired that she just couldn't wait to be at home and laying down. Tonight was the old Lori...the woman I married. We didn't do much tonight; actually we really only talked but it was full of laughs and smiles. I kept teller her I was so glad to have her back (she is pretty excited to be back!) Not to mention she could actually keep up with me again. I didn't feel like I had to walk at a snails pace just so she could walk beside me and not behind me (she never seemed to like that).

With family scheduled to be around for the next number of weeks we are going to take advantage of the free baby sitting as much as possible. It will be good to spend some time with my happy wife again. Man I love her!

This isn't from date night but it's a favorite.

You Decide

2007-02-06T22:46:00.000-05:00

Who do you think Von looks more like?
(Click on image to enlarge)

Von to Steve

Von to Lori

You be the judge.

Mornings

2007-02-06T16:38:00.000-05:00

Mornings are quickly becoming my favorite time of day. Every moring for the last week or so has started by me picking up my tired but and moving down to the couch. That's not old...it's been a tradition for a year already. What is new is the one on one time with my son. He is usually still a little sleepy so we get some cuddle time. I tell ya, that sure makes it easier to get out of bed. I hope he doesn't grow out of that too fast. It reminds me I'm a dad (which at times is still hard to comprehend). Now all I have to do is teach him how to be a man...but that's a whole 'nother post.

Keeping the Cuteness Coming

2007-02-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

Grandma Knofler Gives the First Bath

2007-01-28T17:21:00.000-05:00

Coming Home

2007-01-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

And More...

2007-01-26T13:08:00.000-05:00

The Pics Keep Coming

2007-01-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more:

Von's Arrival

2007-01-25T15:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know that not everyone is up for a six minute video of my son but for those of you that are, here it is:

Wehadababyitsaboy

2007-01-24T21:05:00.000-05:00

Von Charles VI Barker
8 lbs. 11 oz
21 1/2 in
Born 1/24/07

That's my son!

The Hospital

2007-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

It was a long night. I don't think either of us got much sleep. With nothing on TV and everything that comes with a hospital (monitors, lights, freezing cold room, etc) it was hard to get some shut eye. Today should be interesting; I'm not sure what my role is going to be. I'm about ready to knock the doctor out as he doesn't treat my wife with the sensitivity she deserves. All I can do is be there for Lori, right?...and give the Doc my two cents every once and a while! We can't wait till Lori's regular Doc gets here, she's awesome!

Mom and Juli got in this morning and Kilian didn't eat them when the got to the house...which is a plus. It's going to be good having family around.

I'm excited and a little anxious for what the day will bring. But no matter how it goes I'm pretty sure the ending will be UNBELIEVABLE!

**Update @ 5PM**
Here's hoping that he arrives in the next couple hours.

And Here He Comes

2007-01-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

So, it's a go! We go in tomorrow night and then go from there. In a phrase: "I Can't Wait!"

The Plan

2007-01-17T11:21:00.000-05:00

It looks like Von is going to be ready to come next week. The "plan" is Wednesday or Thursday!!!

He Can't Wait

2007-01-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

We went for our 37 Week Doctor appointment today. Most of the discussion was around the ultrasound Lori had last week. Apparently Von size is in the 95 percentile and there is close to too much fluid around him (23, where 25 is critical...whatever that means). That means that the title of "High Risk Pregnancy" still stands and that we are entering what I will call the danger zone. We will go in again next week for another ultrasound and talk about inducing a week early (Doc says they're going to take him early) . It's pretty exciting! I can't wait for the wait to be over. Hurry up and get here son!

The Last Nail

2007-01-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

The iPhone is officially the last nail in my PC coffin. The next computer purchase I make is a Mac. Apple Inc really is 5 years ahead of the competition. And I'm willing to be an early adopter (of new products, cause I'm a little late coming to the Apple Computers Inc. show).

I spent at least 2 hours getting the keynote video to load, but it was totally worth the next 2 hours of WOW! Watch it for yourself.

Now I have 6 months to save up for my Macbook and my iPhone.

Mr. Von, Your Accommodations Are Ready

2007-01-06T18:27:00.000-05:00

The nursery is finally ready for Von to arrive! It's taken a while but the furniture is in and the paint has dried. Now all we need is a Von...

Nursery

4 Weeks Left

2007-01-04T18:13:00.000-05:00

This is the raw footage from Von's 36 week ultrasound. I didn't really understand what I was looking at but here are the things you need to know. Most pictures are a side profile, so you'll see lots of lips and nose but he held his fists in front of his eyes so you won't see much of those. The thing that looks like a hovering Mickey Mouse logo is the umbilical cord. He's still a boy (3:01) and he has hair, so that good. There is a 3D image but all you'll see is Von holding his fists in front of his face. That's all I can remember for now.

I'll see if I can add some explanation to the video and post a less confusing clip in the future. So for now this is all ya get.

And Just For The Record

2007-01-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

I learnt a little party trick and decided to try it out on a few friends. I think they like it.

And just for the record, it can be done!

A Christmas Surprise

2007-01-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

We had no idea! What a great Christmas!

Update: Here's the music video version:

A Surprise At Christmas

2006-12-29T13:09:00.000-05:00

Lori and I were supposed to have Christmas alone in Detroit this year. But it seemed that Grace had some different plans for us...

Christmas '06

A New Year, A New Chapter

2006-12-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

The new year is almost here and I am anxious about this new chapter. Anxious in a way that puts a smile on my face and a pit in my stomach. There seems to be so much uncharted change coming around the corner. My life is changing and there is part of me that feels as if I'm not in much control of it. What puts me at ease in times like these is my perfect fit. Lori is what I would best describe as the ying to my yang. She at times is the only thing that keeps me grounded in the uneasiness of the future.

Von, I'm looking forward to the days you are out here with us. Though I'm not sure how were going to do it, the three of us will do it together.

PS. Merry Christmas. Hope yours is as good as mine.

Awesome Click-to-Call Google Maps Feature

2006-11-17T10:29:00.000-05:00

I think this is an awesome new feature that Google has added to Google Maps. Their blog says that they will flip the bill for local and long distance charges (not including airtime charges). That is the only thing that sounds to good to be true. I'm wondering if they are just not being clear...and if they are how long that will be sustainable. I'll be watching. Forget 411!

Best Sleep Ever

2006-11-09T23:09:00.000-05:00

Wow, I haven't had that great of a sleep in a long time! I just bought a new pillow, one of those memory foam contoured ones. I must say it is the best pillow I have ever had. Plus it's half size so I can throw it in a suitcase when I travel. I swear that from the moment I fall asleep (which is about 5-10 minutes after my head hits the pillow) I fall into deep sleep until the alarm sounds. I historically turned and tossed but was always folding my pillows. I apparently haven't stopped turning (according to Lori) but I'm not messing with my pillow.

At first I was a little nervous as these "memory foam"/contour pillows are a little more expensive than the average bin pillow but from the very first night it was worth it. The only night since then that I have had problems sleeping was then night it fell of the bed. I encourage anyone who folds their pillow or feels like they don't get enough neck support at night try this out...you'll thank me!

"Luke, I Am Your Father"

2006-11-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

As Von slowly begins to be able to hear what is going on outside his little world I have loved talking to him. I have this irresistible temptation to constantly put my face up to Lori's belly and say in a Darth Vader voice "Von, this is your father."

Tonight he wasn't moving around much and I told Lori I would wake him up. I leaned over and busted out the Darth Vader voice...and he kicked me in the mouth! I couldn't tell if it was playful or out of frustration. Either way my son and I are already connecting.

Maybe one day I'll have to buy him on of these...

Halloween '06

2006-10-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

This is one of the better pics from our little Halloween party (Catwoman & Neo). A handful of friends came over and we sat around in candle light. Good to hang out with those that could make it.

If you want to see more click on the "My Picasa Web Albums" link in the Links section.

It's a Boy

2006-10-14T16:32:00.000-04:00

I am having a son! Von Charles Barker. A strong name for a strong son. And if he grows up to be like his dad he will get along pretty well, right? We had our baby shower today...which I was required to attend. I brought a wingman though. So it was a pretty good time. Food was good and the the coffee was Starbucks so I can't complain. We got some great gifts and I think I opened them all in 14 minutes flat. Our scribe couldn't keep up.

Only 3 1/2 months to go. I think I'm ready. In fact, I think I'm excited. Von will soon be here...I wonder what Kilian will think?

Baby Pictures

2006-09-18T18:31:00.000-04:00

...too bad this one is censored!

Digital Memories

2006-09-07T19:31:00.000-04:00

We finally replaced our digital camera! I must say thank you to Dad for his investment in our pregnancy digital memories. It was so hard to take pictures with those disposable cameras (with the taking crappy pictures and then dropping them off to get developed but having to wait longer than normal cause it take 2 days to take those disposable cameras apart and then trying to find your photos in those enormous pickup bins).

Problem is that when you get a new camera, or I should say when I get a new camera, I tend to take pictures of everything in the room. Yet because it's digital I'm only wasting batteries. I love it. In fact I was able to make it look like the grandpa from "Everybody Loves Raymond" was in my living room! It was awesome. And now we have the wonderful ability to share our pregnancy with our family around the continent.

Best Guess

2006-09-06T21:57:00.000-04:00

I have no idea! Is it going to be a boy or a girl?

Lori has her ideas. I on the other hand can't even decide which I'd rather have first. Maybe that's best. Either way we find out in a few weeks. We have decided not to tell anyone untill after our shower (I'm going to enjoy this secret).

We took some time this last week to register. Most of it is unisex but it's pretty fun. I couldn't decide whether I wanted a "Jeep" stroller or one with speakers built in.
Tough choices!

I'm looking forward to being a dad, and I'm a dad whether it's a boy or a girl, right?

Favorite Pics

2006-09-03T23:21:00.000-04:00

These are a few of my favorite "pre-chair" pics.

A Summer in Review

2006-08-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

As Corey & Alyson go home on Tuesday I thought it would be appropriate to post a short video on their summer as Baseball players.

Corey & Alyson | Summer of 2006

Summer Almost Ever

2006-08-14T18:51:00.000-04:00

The end of the season commonly known as summer is quickly coming to an end. And so much is changing. My work is changing. My house, or at least the "mix" inside is changing. My level of energy is changing. It seems like there is a lot going on.

Corey & Alyson will soon be flying back to Oregon which is going to be harder than I think we expect. We have grown so attached to them. Here is a little glimps on how he and I passed the time watching Alyson's practices.

Okay, so you may have to turn your monitor on it's side as for the life of me I could figure out how to rotate it. Anyways, whenever the wind would blow I would let go of a grocery bag and Corey would close his eyes and try to find it only using his sense of hearing. He would have to stop and wait, very often right infront of the bag, to wait until the wind would rustle it agin. Pretty impressive until I started to catch him peeking!

On top of all that I am experiencing the wonders of a pregnant wife. Now and unbelievable 15 weeks into this pregnancy. Further than ever before. It's exciting but I'm sure she can't wait to be done...neither can I!

And then work is changing. I'm trying to navigate this new world of managing more ministries. I'm not at all sure that I have it figured out and there is a lot of work to do. But I'm looking forward to the challenge. God is doing new things and he has sparked and new energy in me to get 'r done (sorry, I've been watching to much blue color comedy).

There is a lot going on. And I'm not completely sure what to expect, but I know I'll be fine...exausted, but fine.

IRIE in Jamaica

2006-08-10T14:20:00.000-04:00

What a great trip! We had a blast. Our home base was at the "Jamiacan School for the Deaf" located at the top of a the Blue Mountains of Jamiaca. We did some cement work, painting and pulling fence around the compound. Everyday we sent a few of our students over to a Orphanage in Montego Bay. That will pull on your heart strings!

The students were great...the groups were great. We got to see the universal church first hand. This was the body of Christ. I must say though: I was very proud of our group. I was practically beaming ever time someone complimented me on them. It was pretty cool!

Teams Pics:
Carrie's Jamaica Pics
Rachel & Elizabeth's Jamaica Pics
My quick picks (all 200 & some)

What Color Are My Eyes?

2006-08-05T18:03:00.000-04:00

Exerpt from "The Invisible Grip" by Tom Chiarella, August 4, 2006:

"A PERSON'S GAZE has weight, resistance, muscularity. Clearly, there are people who use their eyes well. You know them: the sales rep, the fundraiser, the tyrannical supervisor. Their eyes force the question. These people may be as dumb as streetlamps, but they are an undeniable presence in the room. They know they must be dealt with. You know it, too.

It is a very particular skill set. The eye-contact specialist is like the one guy in the game of pickup basketball who knows only how to box out for a rebound. Relentless and a little annoying, he uses his skill, presses his opponents with the fundamentals. It may not work every trip down the court, but eventually things bounce his way. Over time, this habit — establishing and maintaining eye contact — creates favorable situations and produces results. The eye-contact specialist gets talked to first, dealt with most promptly, and responded to most thoroughly. He's always first in line for a reason.

And for the one who's being looked at, eye contact sends a message, signaling acknowledgment, connection, and attention, signaling something, I suppose, like empathy. Being seen is, on some level, being felt. It's nice to be acknowledged. Even so, why does eye contact, wielded freely, always feel like a weapon to me? Why do I want to smack people who stare at me deeply while I'm talking about mixed drinks or V-6 engines, about the names of banks or the price of a gallon of gasoline? Maybe the true signal is less subtle, less friendly than "I'm paying attention to you." Whether he admits it or not, that person is participating in one very large bet that you will blink first. That guy, the one who's looking at you — straight at you, right into you — is getting something that you are not. It's called the upper hand."

Read the entire article here.

Air Tap

2006-07-22T12:16:00.000-04:00

Wow!

Breakin It Down

2006-07-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

I asked Carrie to break it down and Eric took me seriously!

My Little Alien

2006-07-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

I am the proud father of a 11 1/2 week old little boy or girl which I affectionatly refer to as my little alien. "It" is developing very well. The doctor says that it's femars are very long and I think that it has the eye sockets of a 4 year old. Either way I am extremely proud and even more excited!